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Haley Bates
Mrs. Trimble
Emerging Technologies
29 July 2015

Arrive Alive, Dont Drink and Drive

In our society, alcohol is glamorized and publicized across the media each and every day.
People across the nation spend a large amount of money on alcohol because it is considered the
cool thing to do and it provides them with a good time. Media helps advertize different types
of alcohol and uses propaganda to help people want to drink more. After long nights of partying
and having fun with friends, many people decide to put their life and the lives of many others at
risk when they enter the drivers seat intoxicated. This issue must be put to an end due to the
drastic consequences drinking and driving creates. The consequences include the death and
injuries of many in our country each year, the severe damage made on the environment both
physically and economically, and DUIs/DWIs. Drinking and driving is an ongoing, leading
problem in our country today that requires a fast acting solution to bring a halt to this popular
and dangerous act.
One of the consequences created by drinking and driving is the effect that it has on many
peoples lives. Over the years, the death and injury toll created by drinking and driving accidents
has increased drastically. Each day in our country, approximately 30 people die in an alcoholimpaired car accident. (CDC) Around 13,000 people are killed each year in car accidents that
involve a drunk driver and it is estimated that 32% of these deadly car wrecks are alcohol related.
(NCADD) Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens and teen drinking kills 4,700

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people each year. (MADD ) Drinking and driving is an ignorant act people choose to do because
at the time it is difficult for them to think of the consequences. It is important to always have a
designated driver or decide to stay wherever you are drinking to not only protect yourself, but to
protect others on the road too.
Drinking and driving does not only affect people, it also effects the environment both
physically and economically. Alcohol-impaired accidents cost American taxpayers over 100
billion dollars. (NCADD) The yearly cost of drunken driving accidents adds up to a total of more
than 59 billion dollars. (CDC) Accidents that involve alcohol can also cause serious property
damage which has to be paid for by tax payers. Drunk drivers may not only have to face criminal
charges, but civil charges as well. (DDF) The National Highway and Traffic Safety
Administration reports that drinking and driving costs our country $500 per day. (Wolfson)
Drinking and driving affects a large part of society today creating more ongoing issues yet to be
solved.
Driving while intoxicated is illegal in all 50 states and is followed by serious precautions
with the law. DUIs/DWIs are given to drunk drivers who blow a BAC of 0.8% or higher. A
DUI/DWI stands for driving under the influence of alcohol. Legal consequences of drinking and
driving include suspension of license, community service, jail time, a fine up to several thousand
dollars, and temporary impoundment of ones vehicle.(Lawyers) One can also be charged with a
felony depending on the state and case which can result in other charges such as manslaughter.
In 2011, more than 1.2 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence and about
1/3 of drivers given a DUI are repeat offenders. (MADD) Not only is drinking and driving a
federal law, it puts the lives of innocent drivers and passengers at risk.

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With the media promoting and glorifying alcohol it is important to use it in a safe manner.
It is essential to realize the danger of drinking and driving and how it affects others and the
environment before making the risky decision of driving while intoxicated. To avoid ending the
lives of many, breaking the law, and damaging the economy and environment think before
entering the drivers seat with a BAC of 0.8% or higher. To keep the roads clear and safe, make
sure a DD is present before going to a bar or party. Help spread the dangers of drinking and
driving to teens and other adults who are unaware of the harmful consequences. Drinking and
driving is illegal and must be put to an end. You can hand over your keys or your life, make the
right choice dont drink and drive.

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Works Cited
"Impaired Driving: Get the Facts." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, 19 May 2015. Web. 16 July 2015.

"Drunk Driving by the Numbers | Bureau of Transportation Statistics." Drunk Driving by the
Numbers | Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Web. 16 July 2015.

Wolfson, Jonah. "Drunk Driving Accidents and Statistics." Wolfson Law Firm RSS. 28 Dec.
2012. Web. 16 July 2015.

"Alcohol Crime." NCADD. Web. 16 July 2015.

"MADD - Statistics." MADD - Statistics. Web. 16 July 2015.

" Legal Consequences of Drinking and Driving." Legal Consequences of Drinking and Driving.
Web. 16 July 2015.

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